The Annual Genealogy and History Fair sponsored by the Ritchie County Historical
Society was held Saturday at The Gym in Harrisville. Although there were only 11
vendors set up, that was more than enough for the nearly 90 in attendance. There
was a slow stream of people all during the fair.

The procession from table to table was somewhat slow, because a history fair
does not involve merely looking, but talking. How often does one walk back in time
while standing in place? There were history books, maps, audio cds, and family genealogy
records going back generations for several area counties.

Some of the displays were complete with computers to do online searches for
family information while you wait! A lot can be said for finding the right book or
resource to help research a family tree, or a community history, but it is even more
rich to be able to speak to someone one-on-one about a topic, clan, or community
from the past.

Each person attending signed up for door prize drawings which were announced
each hour.

Stepping Back In Time

At The Annual

Genealogy & History Fair

by Debbie Frederick

Smithville Bridge

On Rt. 16

Will Be One Lane Tuesday-Wednesday

The West Virginia Division of Highways has announced the Smithville Bridge on
Rt. 16 (milepost 4.57) will be reduced to one lane traffic on Tuesday and Wednesday,
March 31-April 1, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for bridge inspection.

Flagging personnel will be present to maintain two-way traffic; therefore, motorists
should not experience any significant delays. Motorists are requested to reduce speed
and use caution through the work zone.

As always, the work schedule can change due to inclement weather or unforeseen
circumstances.

Holy Week - Services

7:00 p.m. First Assembly of God, Harrisville

04.01.15

Spring Reading Program

10:30 a.m. Harrisville Library

Topic: Puppet Show

03.31.15

Holy Week - Services

7:00 p.m. Pennsboro United Methodist Church

03.31.15

Advancement in film technology could spell the last gasp for a throwback piece
of Americana. The last remaining drive-in movies screens in West Virginia face a
difficult decision: Invest in significant equipment upgrades or fade to black.

“We need to upgrade our equipment from 35 mm film to digital equipment,” said
Bonnie Sands at the Mt. Zion Drive-In, which requires at least $75,000 to re-open
this summer. “The equipment is a little more pricey for outdoor theaters because
of so many factors like the moon, the lights from houses nearby, the elements, and
the distance from the projector house to the screen.”

The cost is more than most drive-in operators say they can afford. Operating
only during three summer months, the profit margins are already thin, and a rainy
June cut deeper into 2014’s bottom line. Drive-ins also are at the mercy of Hollywood
distributors to provide first-run movies people actually want to see. (Sands said
last year’s offerings weren’t very popular.)

However, there’s more to it than money. The Calhoun County drive-in, which opened
in 1950, maintains nostalgic value for area residents.

Operators of the Mt. Zion Drive-In in Calhoun County hope they can raise $75,000
for projection upgrades